BMWLand: Where Power Meets Control - UK BMW

[bimmerbabe]

Hi all

Me and hubby have been to look at an X5 today and have fallen in love with it. We have a 02 320D SE and have had to replace the turbo over the last couple of years but apart from that haven't had too many problems.

Before we commit to buy we were just wondering if there are any horror stories/things we should be aware of, the car we have been looking at is below, is it a good price/value for money?

Your comments are really welcome

thank you!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201024361201829/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/bmw/page/1/quicksearch/true/postcode/s715ht/radius/1?logcode=p[/web]

[Offline]

Hi all

Me and hubby have been to look at an X5 today and have fallen in love with it. We have a 02 320D SE and have had to replace the turbo over the last couple of years but apart from that haven't had too many problems.

Before we commit to buy we were just wondering if there are any horror stories/things we should be aware of, the car we have been looking at is below, is it a good price/value for money?

Your comments are really welcome

thank you!

http://www.autotrader.co.uk/classified/advert/201024361201829/sort/priceasc/usedcars/make/bmw/page/1/quicksearch/true/postcode/s715ht/radius/1?logcode=p[/web]

[m330d]

Not sure about prices but the diesel engine is good and those wheels are huge id think the tyres for them are very expensive if thats any concern.

[Offline]

Not sure about prices but the diesel engine is good and those wheels are huge id think the tyres for them are very expensive if thats any concern.

[bimmerbabe]

it goes come with the original wheels as spares if times get hard!

[Offline]

it goes come with the original wheels as spares if times get hard!

[m330d]

[Offline]

[condorx5]

Looks nice other than the nonOEM wheels, but that's a personal preference and its got the originals which you could always fit winter tyres on if they are the original 17" alloys - don't flog them off, they are worth their weight in gold fitted with winter tyres!!!
- just be aware, though, that it doesn't seem to have the Comms pack - ie the satnav/ tv/ bluetooth prep and that does affect resale by around £1000-£1500.

Also check service history carefully and even phone up the main dealer/s mentioned as having serviced the car - BMW is quite good at giving the history when you phone and ask.

[Offline]

Looks nice other than the nonOEM wheels, but that's a personal preference and its got the originals which you could always fit winter tyres on if they are the original 17" alloys - don't flog them off, they are worth their weight in gold fitted with winter tyres!!!
- just be aware, though, that it doesn't seem to have the Comms pack - ie the satnav/ tv/ bluetooth prep and that does affect resale by around £1000-£1500.

Also check service history carefully and even phone up the main dealer/s mentioned as having serviced the car - BMW is quite good at giving the history when you phone and ask.

[bimmerbabe]

Thanks for that, sound advice about the service history, I am just worried about the running costs tbh, its a big car for my commute everyday!

[Offline]

Thanks for that, sound advice about the service history, I am just worried about the running costs tbh, its a big car for my commute everyday!

[condorx5]

Its diesel, so gets reasonable fuel usage, unlike the big V8s.....however, transmission failures and turbo blowups I think are the most expensive things to pop on the diesels, hence the need to check history carefully. Also think about a third party warranty - Warranty Direct or similar - lots of X drivers have them for the more expensive problems, even if you have to argue about payment, WD have a reasonable name in the industry for paying out. BMW AUCs give the best warranty (no quibbles), but are more expensive to buy for that peace of mind. The X is a complex marvel of electronics and mechanics, and as it gets older things can wear out.......its not cheap to run and look after correctly, but its fabulous to drive and great if you have a family!!!

[Offline]

Its diesel, so gets reasonable fuel usage, unlike the big V8s.....however, transmission failures and turbo blowups I think are the most expensive things to pop on the diesels, hence the need to check history carefully. Also think about a third party warranty - Warranty Direct or similar - lots of X drivers have them for the more expensive problems, even if you have to argue about payment, WD have a reasonable name in the industry for paying out. BMW AUCs give the best warranty (no quibbles), but are more expensive to buy for that peace of mind. The X is a complex marvel of electronics and mechanics, and as it gets older things can wear out.......its not cheap to run and look after correctly, but its fabulous to drive and great if you have a family!!!

[bimmerbabe]

Can anyone tell me if the X5 suffers the same problems with the turbos blowing as my 320? I will put a warrenty on it but need to have my eyes wide open on this one!

[Offline]

Can anyone tell me if the X5 suffers the same problems with the turbos blowing as my 320? I will put a warrenty on it but need to have my eyes wide open on this one!

[condorx5]

I've never owned a diesel, but apparently it is....do a search on the forums, local and US, to read about it......

[Offline]

I've never owned a diesel, but apparently it is....do a search on the forums, local and US, to read about it......

[bimmerbabe]

oh dear, that is really putting me off, that and the fuel economy (or lack of it!) Hubby loves it and wants to buy but i'm not so sure now............

[Offline]

oh dear, that is really putting me off, that and the fuel economy (or lack of it!) Hubby loves it and wants to buy but i'm not so sure now............

[m330d]

The 3.0d engine turbos are usually very long lasting and not at all like 320d ones so I wouldnt be concerned about that.Id be more concerned about the autobox as if the worst did happen it would cost a lot to fix but thats where a warrant would be a good idea.

Its well over 2 ton , an auto and has 4wd none of which are good for economy so you have got to be realsitic about running costs .They are a big step up from 320d ones but you are getting a lot of car for the money.

[Offline]

The 3.0d engine turbos are usually very long lasting and not at all like 320d ones so I wouldnt be concerned about that.Id be more concerned about the autobox as if the worst did happen it would cost a lot to fix but thats where a warrant would be a good idea.

Its well over 2 ton , an auto and has 4wd none of which are good for economy so you have got to be realsitic about running costs .They are a big step up from 320d ones but you are getting a lot of car for the money.

[bimmerbabe]

Its a lovely car, just think its a bit big for what we need, hubby disagrees and really wants it, think I need to sleep on it!

[Offline]

Its a lovely car, just think its a bit big for what we need, hubby disagrees and really wants it, think I need to sleep on it!

[condorx5]

Its big to drive around town on school runs and to supermarkets etc, not that easy to park in small crowded town centres either, although its fantastic for long commutes / holidays / ferrying family safely everywhere. I love mine to bits and wouldn't change from a big 4x4 for anything, but I'm fortunate not to have to worry too much about the fuel economy - they are not economical cars, even the diesel I think only gets around 38mpg. V8s and fuel economy don't exactly sit in the same sentence, but I love my cars and make other sacrifices to drive the big engined ones.

They were expensive new and are not cheap to run - if you do go for it, make sure you get a good warranty - I got one from Warranty Direct, their "luxury" cover which allows you to use the main dealers, but you would need to check if the age of the car or its mileage would be acceptable first. The 3 month warranties most independent dealers put on their cars are generally worth diddly squat and pay out nothing, but with the Sale of Goods act, if something major like the turbo or transmission blew up in the first six months, you would have a claim against the seller - assuming they were still in business of course!! Hope you make the choice you are comfortable with - just do all the research first.

[Offline]

Its big to drive around town on school runs and to supermarkets etc, not that easy to park in small crowded town centres either, although its fantastic for long commutes / holidays / ferrying family safely everywhere. I love mine to bits and wouldn't change from a big 4x4 for anything, but I'm fortunate not to have to worry too much about the fuel economy - they are not economical cars, even the diesel I think only gets around 38mpg. V8s and fuel economy don't exactly sit in the same sentence, but I love my cars and make other sacrifices to drive the big engined ones.

They were expensive new and are not cheap to run - if you do go for it, make sure you get a good warranty - I got one from Warranty Direct, their "luxury" cover which allows you to use the main dealers, but you would need to check if the age of the car or its mileage would be acceptable first. The 3 month warranties most independent dealers put on their cars are generally worth diddly squat and pay out nothing, but with the Sale of Goods act, if something major like the turbo or transmission blew up in the first six months, you would have a claim against the seller - assuming they were still in business of course!! Hope you make the choice you are comfortable with - just do all the research first.

[spuffington]

If you're worried about fuel economy, it might not be the best car for you.

I've got the newer, and supposedly more economical, 3.0d X5 and I'm still only getting a longterm (10k miles) average of 26.1mpg. In town, and in start stop traffic, I'm getting c. 22mpg and on the motorway I can just about eek it over 32mpg if I'm very careful indeed. Had my first >£100 fill-up the other week, that was quite scary!

They're big, beautiful, luxurious and a great car to travel in and drive and I wouldn't change mine for the world. But economical, they're not.

If you can afford to sacrifice fuel economy for what you want, go for it. But if money is tight - I'd maybe think again.

[Offline]

If you're worried about fuel economy, it might not be the best car for you.

I've got the newer, and supposedly more economical, 3.0d X5 and I'm still only getting a longterm (10k miles) average of 26.1mpg. In town, and in start stop traffic, I'm getting c. 22mpg and on the motorway I can just about eek it over 32mpg if I'm very careful indeed. Had my first >£100 fill-up the other week, that was quite scary!

They're big, beautiful, luxurious and a great car to travel in and drive and I wouldn't change mine for the world. But economical, they're not.

If you can afford to sacrifice fuel economy for what you want, go for it. But if money is tight - I'd maybe think again.

[bimmerbabe]

Thanks for all the replys guys, we are going for a test drive later, I will let you know the outcome!

[Offline]

Thanks for all the replys guys, we are going for a test drive later, I will let you know the outcome!

[Igo zoomanov]

the link in your first post did not work so I have no details on the car other than what is said on this page .
turbo can fail on any car . it is usually driver caused . a turbo needs time to cool if it has been working hard . let the engine idle for 30 seconds or more after hard driving or a long trip or in hot weather .
the transmission will wear quickly if the car has been driven very hard or towed heavy weights over lots of miles . the torque from the diesels makes wear more likely .
some earlier diesel engines have other issues . things called swirl flaps come to mind . ask more questions at this new site www.xdrivers.co.uk the folks there were previously on x5 drivers site before it went down . some of them have excellent knowledge on the X5 diesel .
there is also an excellent buying guide to the X5 .
be very cautious about your purchase as these cars can cost many thousands of £ to repair .
some cars can be a nightmare . some will be free of problems . the same can be said of any motor car .
routine maintenance is more expensive than your current car . I think the buying guide by AW8 covers that aspect if I remember correctly .
I agree with the other members` comments that is is a very different machine to your 3 series and once you own one you will probably not want anything else .
bear this in mind though . most owners do not cover high miles so running costs are not really a concern . those who do cover high miles probably have loads of money or a business expense account is covering the costs .
the X3 is a good choice if you need to change to a 4 wheel drive car with more space than your current car . they do a 2.0 diesel . it`s a nice machine .
good luck .

[Offline]

the link in your first post did not work so I have no details on the car other than what is said on this page .
turbo can fail on any car . it is usually driver caused . a turbo needs time to cool if it has been working hard . let the engine idle for 30 seconds or more after hard driving or a long trip or in hot weather .
the transmission will wear quickly if the car has been driven very hard or towed heavy weights over lots of miles . the torque from the diesels makes wear more likely .
some earlier diesel engines have other issues . things called swirl flaps come to mind . ask more questions at this new site www.xdrivers.co.uk the folks there were previously on x5 drivers site before it went down . some of them have excellent knowledge on the X5 diesel .
there is also an excellent buying guide to the X5 .
be very cautious about your purchase as these cars can cost many thousands of £ to repair .
some cars can be a nightmare . some will be free of problems . the same can be said of any motor car .
routine maintenance is more expensive than your current car . I think the buying guide by AW8 covers that aspect if I remember correctly .
I agree with the other members` comments that is is a very different machine to your 3 series and once you own one you will probably not want anything else .
bear this in mind though . most owners do not cover high miles so running costs are not really a concern . those who do cover high miles probably have loads of money or a business expense account is covering the costs .
the X3 is a good choice if you need to change to a 4 wheel drive car with more space than your current car . they do a 2.0 diesel . it`s a nice machine .
good luck .

[Igo zoomanov]

http://www.xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25
I posted this link to the buyers guide . hope it works .
had to post another reply here because there is no way to edit the previous post .

[Offline]

http://www.xdrivers.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=25
I posted this link to the buyers guide . hope it works .
had to post another reply here because there is no way to edit the previous post .

[Igo zoomanov]

see what I mean .
I want to add that you should read everything in the buyers guide . it`s all very good information .
and by the way ,if you do buy the X5 there will always be help available if you have issues .

[Offline]

see what I mean .
I want to add that you should read everything in the buyers guide . it`s all very good information .
and by the way ,if you do buy the X5 there will always be help available if you have issues .

[spuffington]

You got to be a Site Supporter to edit your posts. But thanks for the info!

[Offline]

You got to be a Site Supporter to edit your posts. But thanks for the info!

[NicD]

we chose an X3 M 3.0D as didn't need the extra size or status of an X5, and certainly not the weight.

Since we chose the 08 model year, it gives excellent performance and economy, heartily recommend this spec and model.

Nic

[Offline]

we chose an X3 M 3.0D as didn't need the extra size or status of an X5, and certainly not the weight.

Since we chose the 08 model year, it gives excellent performance and economy, heartily recommend this spec and model.

Nic